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The biology and function of exosomes in cancer
Raghu Kalluri
Raghu Kalluri
Published April 1, 2016
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2016;126(4):1208-1215. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI81135.
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Review Series Article has an altmetric score of 26

The biology and function of exosomes in cancer

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Abstract

Humans circulate quadrillions of exosomes at all times. Exosomes are a class of extracellular vesicles released by all cells, with a size range of 40–150 nm and a lipid bilayer membrane. Exosomes contain DNA, RNA, and proteins. Exosomes likely remove excess and/or unnecessary constituents from the cells, functioning like garbage bags, although their precise physiological role remains unknown. Additionally, exosomes may mediate specific cell-to-cell communication and activate signaling pathways in cells they fuse or interact with. Exosomes are detected in the tumor microenvironment, and emerging evidence suggests that they play a role in facilitating tumorigenesis by regulating angiogenesis, immunity, and metastasis. Circulating exosomes can be used as liquid biopsies and noninvasive biomarkers for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer patients.

Authors

Raghu Kalluri

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Figure 2

Tumor-associated and circulating cancer-derived exosomes are a heterogeneous population that generates a unique tumor nanoenvironment (TNE).

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Tumor-associated and circulating cancer-derived exosomes are a heterogen...
Tumors are a composite of cancer cells (CCs) with different genetics and phenotypes, stromal cells (including immune cells), mesenchymal cells (such as mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs] and fibroblasts), ECs, and stromal elements (such as ECM components). Immune cell subtypes can be found in the tumors and include DCs, B cells, Teffs, Tregs, NK cells, and macrophages. All of these cells shed exosomes, contributing to TNE diversity. These exosomes likely participate in cell-to-cell communications within the tumor microenvironment and contribute to the heterogeneity of circulating exosomes. Exosomes derived from the serum or plasma can yield DNA for whole genome sequencing (WGS) and the identification of gene mutations and deletions. Additionally, exosomes allow for the analysis of mRNA; noncoding RNA (ncRNA), including miR and lncRNA; proteins; lipids; and metabolites.

Copyright © 2025 American Society for Clinical Investigation
ISSN: 0021-9738 (print), 1558-8238 (online)

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